league and cup rulebook 2018-19 - aoc sport · a 9 or 10-team league where all teams are in...

AoC Sport League and Cup Rulebook 2018-19

League and Cup

Rulebook 2018-19


CONTENTS

LEAGUE AND CUP RULES ......................................................................... 3

1. ELIGIBILITY ................................................................................................... 3

2. STAFFING ...................................................................................................... 5

3. COMPETITION SYSTEM (LEAGUES) .............................................................. 5

4. COMPETITION SYSTEM (CUPS) .................................................................. 10

5. PLAYER REGISTRATION .............................................................................. 10

6. CONDITIONS OF PLAY AND FIXTURE OBLIGATIONS ................................ 13

7. MATCH OFFICIALS ...................................................................................... 15

8. TROPHIES ................................................................................................... 15

9. MISCONDUCT ............................................................................................. 16

10. SANCTIONS AND PENALTY FINES .............................................................. 17

11. WALKOVERS, PROTESTS AND APPEALS .................................................... 17

12. ALTERATION TO RULES .............................................................................. 17

SPORT SPECIFIC RULES: ........................................................................ 18

BADMINTON .......................................................................................... 18

BASKETBALL .......................................................................................... 19

FOOTBALL .............................................................................................. 20

GOLF ...................................................................................................... 24

HOCKEY .................................................................................................. 28

NETBALL................................................................................................. 29

RUGBY LEAGUE ..................................................................................... 31

RUGBY UNION ....................................................................................... 33

VOLLEYBALL .......................................................................................... 36

LEAGUE AND CUP SANCTIONS AND PENALTY FINES ......................... 37

WALKOVERS, PROTESTS AND APPEALS ............................................... 39

CODE OF CONDUCT .............................................................................. 42

TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF AoC SPORT COMPETITIONS ............... 44


LEAGUE AND CUP RULES

All rules highlighted yellow indicate a

new or amended rule for the 2018-

19 season.

1. ELIGIBILITY

1.1 All participants in AoC Sport

competitions must be

recorded on the Individualised

Learning Record (ILR) by the

institution. They must be on

the ILR of the institution which

is drawing down funding as a

continuing student at the time

of the match. Students on the

ILR who are registered as

completed, withdrawn or

transferred are not eligible to

play.

1.2 Where institutions are being

funded by another training

provider they must provide

details of this funding

partnership on their online

entry form.

1.3 All participants in AoC Sport

competitions must over 16

years of age at midnight on 31

August in the academic year of

participation (birth date on or

before 31 August 2002).

1.4 The upper age group for

sports is as follows:

◼ Women’s rugby union-

under 18 (birth date on or

after 1 September 2000)

◼ Men’s rugby union, men’s

rugby league, men’s

football, men’s and

women’s basketball –



◼ Ability Counts football –



◼ All other sports – under 21

(birth date on or after 1

September 1997)

1.5 All participants must be on a

study programme on at least

band 2 of the National

Funding Rates and studying a

minimum of 280 hours.

Specific leagues require

students to be on a full-time

study programme of at least

450 hours.

1.6 Students at institutions in

other home nations can

compete as long as they meet

the requirements of their

funding body.

1.7 Students on higher education

courses can play in AoC Sport

competitions as long as they

are on the roll of the

participating institution and

studying a full time

programme of 360 hours.


1.8 Students on apprenticeship

programmes are permitted to

play in AoC Sport

competitions, however, this

does not include students on

Scholarship programmes

funded by League Football

Education.

1.9 Members of staff who are on

the institution’s ILR as an

apprentice are permitted to

play in AoC Sport competitions

as long as they are not

responsible for the team in

which they are playing.

1.10 All participants must be on the

ILR of the same institution or

unless written permission is

received from AoC Sport.

Learning Federations,

Learning Partnerships, Trusts

or any institution which

operates multiple sites in

which the students are on the

ILR of any of the partner

institutions may request

permission for players in the

same team to be drawn from

across the partnership.

Permission will only be

granted where evidence of the

status of the partnership can

be provided and where

participation is made possible

by this partnership approach.

1.11 It may be possible for a

student to be on a funded

study programme at more

than one institution. In such

circumstances, the student will

play for the institution at

which they study more guided

learning hours. If this

institution does not enter a

team in the student’s chosen

sport, the institution at which

the student studies fewer

hours must make a written

request to the other

institution for the student to

play in their team.

1.12 AoC Sport reserves the right to

refuse the application of any

institution that it has had to

pursue for unpaid debts or

where there is evidence that

the institution has unpaid

debts with any other provider

of competitions.

1.13 Where there is evidence that

an institution has breached

the code of conduct or

competition rules of AoC Sport

or any other competition

provider in the previous

season the application to

enter an AoC Sport

competition may be refused.

1.14 Players can only play for one

institution in a season. Where

a player transfers from one

institution to another during

the season written permission

must be obtained for the

player to compete for the new

institution.


1.15 Any institution submitting

false information or playing an

ineligible player(s) may forfeit

the match.

1.16 Students on HE programmes

are permitted to play in AoC

Sport competitions as long as

they comply with the other

eligibility criteria.

2. STAFFING

2.1 The Head Coach of Premier

League teams must hold a

current NGB level 3 coaching

qualification. Where a new

coach is appointed during the

season they must be

committed to achieving a level

3 coaching qualification within

12 months.

2.2 In the interests of

safeguarding, it is

recommended that in all other

competitions the Head Coach

holds a current coaching

qualification.

2.3 There must be a person in

attendance at each game who

holds a current first aid

qualification or as a minimum

a fully stocked First Aid Kit in

case of an emergency.

2.4 The coach must attend every

game with a match day pack

which includes:

a) the rules of the

competition

b) a completed team/squad

sheet (see 5.1-5.3)

c) proof of age

documentation (see 5.12)

3. COMPETITION SYSTEM

(LEAGUES)

All golf specific competition system

rules are available on page 24.

3.1 The competition will be

organised and administered

by the Competition

Administration Officer.

3.2 Premier leagues are based

around an ‘elite standard and

as such travelling will be

greater than in other leagues.

3.3 All other leagues will be

organised around a ‘Regional

League’ principle where

possible, although there may

be a requirement for some

travelling outside of regions.

3.4 Except for Rugby League, the

Regional Development

Officers will designate colleges

to each league according to

the entries received and

geographical location, the

leagues to be approved at the

summer term Regional

Operations Group meeting.


3.5 Entries received after the

summer term meeting of the

Regional Operations Group

will be placed in a waiting list if

there are no spaces left in any

league.

3.6 Dates of fixtures will be

advertised to participating

teams by the end of June.

3.7 Matches will be played on the

Wednesday afternoon

designated by AoC Sport in

the fixture list.

3.8 Matches in leagues of 8 teams

or less will be scheduled

between September and the

end of the spring term.

3.9 The Regional Operations

Group may decide to operate

a 9 or 10-team league where

all teams are in agreement

that matches will continue

until the third Wednesday in

May.

3.10 Games will commence

between 1:30pm and 3:00pm

unless otherwise agreed by

both teams.

3.11 League and cup matches can

be played on other days if

both teams are in agreement.

3.12 Colleges entering AoC Sport

competitions must accept that

completion of fixtures within

this timescale must take

priority over other external

competitions.

3.13 Where a team is unable to

complete a fixture on the

designated date due to

extenuating circumstances

they must contact AoC Sport

at least seven days in advance

of the fixture to obtain

permission to agree an

alternative date with the

opposition. The fixture must

be rescheduled within seven

days and the new date for the

match updated on FA Full

Time or Naqoda.

3.14 Where teams cannot mutually

agree on a new date, the

Competition Administration

Officer may set a date that

both colleges must abide by.

Failure to re-play the game on

the date specified will result in

one or both teams being

excluded from the

competition or facing a points

penalty and/or fine.

3.15 A team unable to attend a

scheduled game because of

an accident, weather or

unforeseen circumstances on

the day of the match should

immediately inform their

opponents and the


Officer. Each situation will be

reviewed on its merits and a

decision made as to whether


the match should be

rearranged. This decision may

be appealed through the

system laid out in the appeals

section.

3.16 A match may be cancelled for

legitimate reasons only such

as: -

◼ International call ups (two

players or a goalkeeper).

◼ Severe weather conditions

which prevent travel

◼ Waterlogged or frozen

pitch

◼ Work experience (providing

AoC Sport is notified by 30

September).

◼ Public Examinations

(providing AoC Sport is

notified at least seven days

before the match)

Non-legitimate reasons are: -

◼ Lack of players due to

injury, illness, holidays, etc.

◼ Clashes with non AoC

Sport competitions.

◼ Other arrangements, such

as club tours or end of

term parties clashing with

the competition calendar.

3.17 Where a match is cancelled for

non-legitimate reasons after

midday on the day before the

match, teams may apply for a

walkover by using the form

available in the resources

section of the AoC Sport

website.

3.18 Please note the AoC Sport

competition calendar with all

dates for the year was

available in April and by

completing the online entry

form institutions accepted the

dates as a commitment.

3.19 Requests for walkovers must

be lodged and must be sent to

the Competition

Administration Officer within

24 hours of a cup match and 7

days of a league match using

the Walkover Request Form.

Walkovers will only be granted

in exceptional circumstances.

It is not acceptable for teams

to merely enter a walkover

score when an opponent has

not fulfilled a fixture.

3.20 AoC Sport will record the

following scores in the event

of a successful request for a

walkover: -

◼ Badminton: 6-0

◼ Basketball: 20-0

◼ Netball, rugby union and

rugby league: 30-0

◼ Football, hockey and

volleyball: 3-0

3.21 Where a team offers three

walkovers in a season all their

results will be removed, with

any remaining fixtures being

converted to friendlies.


3.22 If a fixture is agreed to be

postponed by both parties, a

new date for the match must

be agreed and submitted to

AoC Sport within seven days

of the original fixture.

3.23 If after seven days one team

has failed to respond to email

and telephone communication

resulting in no new date being

agreed for the fixture

postponed in 3.22, their

opponent may send the email

trail to AoC Sport as part of a

walkover request. This

walkover request must be

received within 14 days of the

original date of the match.

3.24 Where teams do not comply

with 3.22 and 3.23 a walkover

cannot be requested at a later

date by either team.

3.25 No double headers are

allowed in Premier Leagues.

3.26 In non-premier competitions,

teams wishing to play a

double header must obtain

permission through the AoC

Sport Competition

Administrator and will only be

granted in exceptional

circumstances. If permission

is granted then the result shall

be awarded as follows: the

first half will be classed as one

match and the second half will

be classed as a separate

match.

3.27 If appropriate fixtures can be

brought forward or reversed.

Please note it is the home

team’s responsibility to update

FA Full Time or Naqoda

accordingly.

3.28 A no-show occurs when a

team wilfully does not show

up at a confirmed fixture.

Penalties for no shows are as

follows: -

◼ A walkover win to the

team not at fault.

◼ A 1-point deduction from

the league total.

◼ The team that is guilty of a

‘no show’ is precluded

from participating in any

‘play off’ opportunity

should they qualify. If this

is the case the next

nearest team in terms of

league standing will

automatically qualify for

this privilege.

◼ The club docked will be

automatically relegated for

a second no-show in the

season.

3.29 In November and February,

the Competition Administrator

will issue an email reminder to

all teams who have matches

for which no result has been

uploaded to FA Full Time or

Naqoda.


3.30 All matches for which no

results have been uploaded to

FA Full Time or Naqoda by the

end of the season will be

recorded as 0-0 draw, with no

league points being given to

either team. Failure to

complete the matches may

result in a £100 fine.

3.31 If you experience any issues

with contacting the opposing

team it is important that you

raise this with AoC Sport

immediately so appropriate

action can be taken.

3.32 In league matches, points will

be awarded as follows:

◼ Win = 3 points.

◼ Draw = 1 point.

◼ Loss = 0 points.

3.33 Results to be entered within

48 hours of the match on FA

Full Time or Naqoda.

3.34 Where teams within the same

league share the same

number of points, the

following criteria will be

applied in order to determine

the order:

a) Head-to-head record of

the teams involved in the

tie based on total points in

league games.

b) Where the points are the

same, the aggregate score

of the teams involved in

the tie will be used to

determine the tie.

c) Best goal/points difference

in league games.

d) Most goal/points scored in

league games.

e) Least goal/points

conceded in league games.

f) Ranking based on points

earned against top four

group finishers.

g) Lottery conducted by AoC

Sport at league office.

3.35 Premier League only: On

completion of regional league

fixtures a series of ‘play-off’

matches will be organised to

determine the national league

champion. These fixtures will

be scheduled by the


Officer.

3.36 Premier League only: If the

league schedule has not been

completed by the deadline set

by AoC Sport, colleges will be

selected for the play off stage

on the basis of the number of

points achieved by that date.

Where points are equal the

criteria laid out in 3.34 will be

used.

3.37 The play-off process for the

Premier Leagues will be

determined by the

Competition Administrator

and circulated to all teams by

before the start of the season.


4. COMPETITION SYSTEM (CUPS)

4.1 Entry to cup competitions

must be received by AoC Sport

before the deadline stated on

the online entry form.

4.2 The cup competitions will be

in run in standard cup format:

◼ In the early stages of the

competition every attempt

will be made to ‘localise’

the draw

◼ Teams will be expected to

travel out of region in the

later rounds of the cup

4.3 All cup games must be played

on a one-off knockout basis

with no replays.

4.4 Flexible format rules cannot

be used in cup matches.

4.5 A draw will be made by the


Officer. The completion dates

for fixtures are available on

the AoC Sport competitions

calendar which can be

accessed on the AoC Sport

website. These will be the

final play by dates for each

round.

4.6 Failure to comply with these

dates may result in the toss of

a coin to decide which team

progresses to the next round.

4.7 The draws shall be circulated,

and all games are to be played

at the ground of the first

named team (unless agreed

otherwise by both teams).

4.8 Where cup matches are

cancelled due to inclement

weather they must be played

on the following term time

Wednesday. In order to keep

the competition on schedule it

may be necessary for a team

to forego home advantage if,

after a game has been

postponed once due to

weather, the pitch of the away

team is playable.

4.9 Rules 3.10 to 3.20 will apply to

all cup competitions.

5. PLAYER REGISTRATION

5.1 All players from each college

should be registered with AoC

Sport before they are eligible

to play in any league or cup

match. Details of all players to

be used (i.e. full names,

gender and DOB) should be

completed online using

Naqoda or FA Whole Game or

RFL’s LeagueNet system. For

players entering football

competitions – see sport

specific rules for further

information.

5.2 Any team that has not

registered players by the 31


October will receive a 1-point

deduction, with further 1-point

deduction made from teams

who have not registered

players at the end of

November, January and

February.

5.3 In the interests of increasing

participation and preventing

late cancellations, additional

players can be brought into

teams in the regional leagues

at late notice providing: -

◼ They comply with rule 1.

◼ They are included on the

team sheet.

◼ The opposition coach is

notified.

◼ They are registered on the

appropriate system within

48 hours of the match.

5.4 Where a team has two teams

in the same league, the

players can only be registered

for one team and cannot

move between teams.

5.5 Any club found to have played

an ineligible player in a league

match or league matches shall

have any points gained from

that match or matches

deducted from its record, up

to a maximum of 12 points.

5.6 A player shall not be eligible to

play for a team in any league

decider or play-off match

unless the player has played

three games for that team in

the competition in the current

season.

5.7 In the Premier League, any

player who has been named

on the team sheet of 50% or

more of the games played,

cannot compete at a lower

level unless written

permission is obtained from

the Competition

Administration Officer. No

more than three players can

be re-registered at any time.

5.8 Where a club has more than

one team, no more than three

players listed on the

team/squad sheet of one team

may be listed on the

team/squad sheet of a lower

team in the next match. (e.g.,

only three players in the first

team of a club in a regional

league can only play in the

next second, third or fourth

team fixture).

5.9 Where colleges have more

than one team in the same

cup competition a player is

‘cup tied’ once they have

played for one team. They

cannot then play for the other

team in the same competition.

A team that is found to have

played a cup tied player will

forfeit the match.

5.10 A player shall not be eligible to

play in a cup final unless they


have been named on the team

sheet in a previous cup round.

5.11 Any club found to have played

an ineligible player in a cup

match will forfeit that match

and their opponent will

progress to the next round of

the competition.

5.12 Coaches must be able to

provide photo ID of their

players if challenged about the

eligibility of a player. This can

be done by either using the

management information

system to produce the names,

photographs and dates of

birth of all players or insisting

that players carry with them

their valid student ID card.

5.13 Any college submitting false

information or playing an

ineligible player(s) may be

withdrawn from that

competition, subject to the

submission of a written

explanation of their action.

They may also risk the

imposition of additional

sanctions, fines or other

penalties.

5.14 A team/squad sheet should be

exchanged at least 30 minutes

before the start of the match

in the presence of the referee

showing the name of each

player. Copies of the

team/squad sheets are

available in the resources

section of the AoC Sport

website.

5.15 Premier Leagues: Both teams

must send their fully

completed team sheet to the


Officer within two days of the

completion of each fixture.

Where a game is played on a

Wednesday, the team sheet

should be received by 5:00pm

on the Friday.

5.16 Premier League teams that fail

to submit a team sheet within

the allotted time scale will on

the first occasion be warned

and will receive a 1-point

deduction on the second and

each subsequent occurrence.

5.17 Rules 5.15 and 5.16 also apply

to teams in Yorkshire &

Humber Football

Championships, the West

Midlands Football

Championships A and the

North West Football

Championships A

5.18 Other leagues: Each team

must retain their opponent’s

team/squad sheet until the

end of the season in the event

of AoC Sport requiring the

information for any

investigation.

5.19 AoC Sport should be informed

on every occasion where an

opponent does not exchange


a team sheet by sending the

Competition Administrator an

email stating the date of the

match, the league and the

name of the teams involved in

the match. On the first

occasion the offending team

will be issued with a warning

after which further breaches

of this rule will result in a 1-

point deduction.

5.20 Any report of a team playing

an eligible student must be

submitted to the Competition

Administration Officer within

24 hours of a cup match or

seven days of a league match.

5.21 Failure to attach the team

sheet will result in the appeal

being rejected.

5.22 AoC Sport staff have the right

to attend any fixture and

request to see a player’s

student ID with or without

prior notice. Failure to provide

the relevant information upon

request will result in further

action being taken.

5.23 Any team that is unable to

provide team/squad sheets

from any match under appeal

will therefore be unable to

defend the appeal made

against them.

NB: We are dependent on

coaches displaying sound

educational ethos and values

to ensure that rule 5 is upheld.

In particular the practice of

playing a senior team in a

lower competition is one that

AoC Sport discourages.

6. CONDITIONS OF PLAY AND

FIXTURE OBLIGATIONS

All golf specific conditions of play

and fixture obligations are available

on page 24.

6.1 The home team must contact

their opponents with match

details such as venue, facilities

available, start time and

colours of kit at least seven

days before the fixture (i.e.,

Thursday for games that take

place on the following

Wednesday). An example of

the form is available on the

AoC Sport website.

6.2 The away team should

confirm receipt of match

details.

6.3 In the interests of ensuring

that matches are played the

away team should telephone

the home team if no

confirmation has been

received within three days of

the match (i.e., Monday for

Wednesday matches).

6.4 In such situations the away

team must report the

offending team to AoC Sport


who will issue them with a

warning on the first occasion

and issue a £50 fine on the

second and subsequent

occasions.

6.5 If you are unable to contact

the opposing team by

telephone or email it is

important that you raise this

with AoC Sport immediately,

so appropriate action can be

taken.

6.6 AoC Sport must be informed

of any abandoned match and

will make a decision on

whether the result at the time

of the abandonment stands or

whether the match shall be

replayed.

6.7 Match balls – two suitable

match balls to ensure

continuous play will be

provided for the referee’s

inspection prior to each

match.

6.8 Team colours – in the event of

a colour clash the away team

will change to colours that

provide a satisfactory

contrast. Shirts may bear a

sponsor’s name and must be

clearly numbered. In football

no team or player is permitted

to wear black kit.

6.9 In league fixtures it is the

home team’s responsibility to

input the results by logging on

to the designated fixture

system. This must be done

within two clear days of the

fixture. For example: for a

Wednesday fixture the result

must be inputted by the Friday

of that week. Away teams also

have the option of inputting

the result.

6.10 In cup fixtures the winning

team must input the result.

6.11 For matches played on the last

day of the scheduled league

season, results must be

inputted by 5.00pm on the

day of the match so that

sufficient organisation time

can be given to teams

qualifying for the play-offs.

6.12 Premier Only: Failure to

complete the group fixture

programme by the designated

date may result in a £100 fine.

6.13 Refreshments – in the Premier

Leagues the home college

shall provide suitable

hospitality and refreshments

which will replenish energy

levels for their visitors

following each game before

they embark upon their

journey home. This can be

negotiated where colleges

have a travelling distance to

the fixture of under one hour.

Under these circumstances it

is the responsibility of the

home team to contact the


away team to negotiate

whether there are

requirements for

refreshments, and where they

are requested home colleges

must provide these. In

Football Championships

matches refreshments shall

only be provided where the

travel time to the match

exceeds 90 minutes. In

regional leagues the home

college shall provide access to

refreshment facilities.

6.14 Refreshments – Premier Cup:

where travel time exceeds 90

minutes the home team shall

provide suitable hospitality

and refreshments which will

replenish energy levels for

their visitors following each

game before they embark

upon their journey home. If

less than 90 minutes travelling

is involved refreshments are

at the discretion of the home

college. Under these

circumstances it is the

responsibility of the home

team to contact the away

team to negotiate whether

there are requirements for

refreshments.

Knockout Cups and Knockout

Trophy: From the quarter final

suitable hospitality and

refreshments which will

replenish energy levels must

be provided. Prior to the

quarter final suitable

hospitality and refreshments

should be provided if more

than 90 minutes travelling is

involved.

7. MATCH OFFICIALS

7.1 The home college should

arrange for appropriately

qualified officials at each

match. All match officials

must be appropriately

dressed. Failure of the home

team to provide the

appropriate number and level

officials could result in the

match being forfeited.

7.2 The home college is

responsible for paying all

officials, umpires etc their

match fees.

7.3 See sport specific pages for

detail of the level of officials

required for each competition.

8. TROPHIES

8.1 The winner of each League will

be presented with a cup for

permanent retention.

8.2 Premier League winners will

play a series of ‘play-off’

matches before a Final is

staged on a neutral venue

where the winners will be

presented with the Premier

‘Champions Cup’ to be

retained for one season.


8.3 The winners of the Champions

Cup and each cup competition

will receive a trophy to retain

for one season. The winners

are responsible for the cost of

engraving and return of the

trophy to AoC Sport by 31

March. Failure to do so will

result in the winning teams

being invoiced for the

replacement trophy.

8.4 There will be medals for the

players of both teams playing

in all cup and Champions Cup

finals.

9. MISCONDUCT

9.1 It is a condition of entry that

teams shall adhere to the AoC

Sport Code of Conduct.

9.2 Colleges are responsible for

the behaviour of players and

officials.

9.3 Each college that enters the

competition is also

responsible for the behaviour

of its spectators.

9.4 Players, coaches and

managers of all competing

teams shall behave in a

manner that is not likely to

bring the game into disrepute.

9.5 Any player, coach or manager

expelled or disqualified at any

stage of the competition shall

be automatically suspended

for the next match in any of

the competitions and the

matter shall be referred to

AoC Sport.

9.6 Any person having a

connection with the college

(e.g. staff, student, parent etc)

guilty of misconduct could

cause the team/college to be

withdrawn from further

involvement in the

competition and/or the

imposition of a fine or other

sanction.

9.7 Any matters of misconduct

recorded by the match

officials should be sent to and

will be dealt with by AoC

Sport.

9.8 AoC Sport shall have the

power to take appropriate

action against any institution,

player, coach or manager

within its jurisdiction.

9.9 Suspensions shall be valid

throughout all AoC Sport

competitions.

9.10 AoC Sport cannot intervene in

any matters of misconduct

that are being investigated by

the Police.


10. SANCTIONS AND PENALTY

FINES

10.1 See page 37 for sanctions and

penalty fines.

11. WALKOVERS, PROTESTS AND

APPEALS

11.1 See page 39 for the walkover,

protests and appeals

procedures, along with a flow

diagram of the appeals

process.

12. ALTERATION TO RULES

12.1 Proposal for rule changes can

be made before 31 May and

will be approved at the

summer meeting of the

National Operations Advisory

Group.

12.2 Any alteration will be subject

to approval by the Sanctioning

body and will only come into

force at the start of the

following season.


SPORT SPECIFIC RULES:

BADMINTON


BD 4.10

League and Cup competition will be

mixed-sex teams of four females and

four males, with each round

consisting of two men’s singles, two

women’s singles, two men’s doubles,

two women’s doubles, two mixed

doubles. Each player may only

compete in two rubbers (events) per

match (i.e. each player plays two

events).

BD 4.11

Rubbers will be best of three

games/sets to 21 points with

extended scoring if required. If the

score becomes 20-all the side which

gains a two-point lead first shall win

that game/set, only until the score

becomes 29-all where the side

scoring the 30th point shall win that

game.

BD 4.12

All rubbers/events in the match must

be played.

BD 4.13

If a team cannot play all of the

rubbers/ events within a match, then

those un-played rubbers/events will

be awarded to the opposition game

to love.

BD 4.14

Where a cup match is drawn with a

score of five rubbers each, the

winner will be decided by the most

games/sets won. If still equal, points

won and if still equal the result of the

first mixed doubles.


BASKETBALL

PLEASE NOTE: THERE IS A

SEPARATE RULEBOOK FOR

EABL, ABL AND WEABL

4. COMPETITION SYSTEM (CUPS)

BB 4.10

EABL and ABL teams cannot enter

the Men’s Knockout Cup.


BB 5.24

All AASE/DiSE students are permitted

to play in AoC Sport leagues and

cups but players’ details must be

submitted to AoC Sport, who will

notify Basketball England.


FIXTURE OBLIGATIONS

BB 6.15

A visible scoreboard, and a visible

clock shall be provided by the home

team at every game. These facilities

shall be clearly visible to both team

benches.

BB 6.16

All games should be played on a full

court no less than 20m x 11m.

BB 6.17

All players must wear numbered

shirts.

BB 6.18

This is a five a-side competition.

BB 6.19

Duration –it is recommended that

games should follow FIBA

regulations (i.e. four 10-minute

periods, two minutes between

periods and a 10-minute half-time

break). There is the option to

shorten games by agreement

between the two teams (e.g. shorter

quarters or by adopting a running

clock format). Where a match is

abandoned in the fourth quarter, the

score at the time of abandonment

will constitute a game.

BB 6.20

In the event of a tie at full-time a

period of overtime of 5 minutes will

be played in order to decide the

winner, then as many five-minute

periods as are necessary to break

the tie.

7. MATCH OFFICIALS

BB 7.4

Match Referees – the home college

should arrange for two qualified

referees. By prior agreement this

can be one qualified referee

supplied by each college.

BB 7.5

Table Officials – Home team must

provide a minimum of two table

officials these maybe students but

they may not be members of the

team.


FOOTBALL

1. ELIGIBILITY

FB 1.17

A player that is registered with The

FA on either a template Premier

League, EFL (English Football League)

or FA standard contract form is

considered to be a professional and

under written contract. The FA holds

records on every player under

written contract and a player is not

considered to be under written

contract until received and

processed by The FA to the

satisfaction of the relevant rules and

regulations of the governing bodies

concerned.’

FB 1.18

Any student who is contracted to a

team at any level of the football

pyramid is not permitted to play in

AoC Sport competitions.

FB 1.19

English institutions competing in AoC

Sport football competitions must be

affiliated with their County FA prior

to the commencement of the season

to enable leagues to be sanctioned

by the FA.

FB 1.20

Welsh institutions must be affiliated

with their area association prior to

the commencement of the season to

enable the Welsh league to be

sanctioned by FAW.

FB 1.21

Welsh institutions will be permitted

to play in other regional leagues as

long as they have affiliated with their

area association.

NB: As most of the players are under

the age of 18 it is strongly

recommended that at least one

member of staff has attended an FA

Safeguarding workshop.


(LEAGUES)

FB 3.38

An ECFA Committee (Chairman, 6

senior college staff, up to 3 AoC

Sport staff and up to 2

representatives from the FA) will

meet at least 3 times a year to

review the football competition

structure, develop a football strategy

and select the teams to play in the

category 1 leagues. They may also be

called upon to be part of the

disciplinary committee.

FB 3.39

Subject to agreement at the Regional

Operations Group meeting, the

category 3 women’s league can be

played under flexible format rules.

FB 3.40

Where this is the case the number of

players in each team may not be less

than seven.


FB 3.41

Teams may nominate five

substitutes who may be used at

anytime. Any number of

substitutions may be used at any

time with the permission of the

Referee. Entry onto the field of play

will only be allowed during a

stoppage in play. A player who has

been replaced may return to the play

as a substitute for another player.

FB 3.42

The number of players and

substitutes for flexible format

matches must be agreed during the

match confirmation process.

FB 3.43

The playing surface, size of the field

of play and duration of the match for

flexible format matches can be

determined by the two teams.

FB 3.44

Teams that also enter the FA Youth

Cup must ensure that their home

matches are played on Mondays so

that it does not impact on an ECFA

league or cup fixture.

FB 3.45

It will only be acceptable to cancel an

ECFA league or cup match for an

away FA Youth Cup match:

a) When a team has five or more

players involved

b) In stages before the ECFA cup

and play-off quarter finals

c) When a request to move the

FA Youth Cup fixture has been

denied by the home team

FB 3.46

Play-off or cup matches that finish in

a draw at full-time will be concluded

by any one or all the following

procedures depending upon the

prevailing conditions:

◼ Extra time of two halves of 15

minutes.

◼ A penalty kick competition

carried out in accordance with

the Laws of the Game.

◼ This should be agreed by both

managers in the presence of

the Referee prior to the

commencement of the match.


FB 5.24

All players must be registered on FA

Whole Game System (WGS) before

they are eligible to play for which

they must have a FAN number. The

name, date of birth and address of

each player can be used to search

WGS for existing FAN numbers or to

create them for players that have

not already created one.

FB 5.25

Premier League: A maximum of 35

players at any one time may be

registered. No new players may be

registered to play after February Half

Term unless written permission is

obtained from AoC Sport.


FB 5.26

It is not necessary for institutions to

seek international clearance for

students who only participate in a

midweek educational league.

However, this is a requirement

where the institution fields a team in

a non-educational competition such

as a Saturday or Sunday League.


FIXTURE OBLIGATIONS

FB 6.15

All matches should be played on

well-maintained grass or 3G pitches

and all lines should be clearly

marked. In Premier League, Cups

and Championships the minimum

dimensions are 65m x 92m. For

Regional Leagues, Knockout Cups

and Knockout Trophy the minimum

dimensions are 45m x 90m.

FB 6.16

In the Premier League, although

grass is still the preferred option,

FA/FIFA approved 3G pitches are

acceptable providing they have

trainers’ benches and a spectator

area within the ‘caged’ area.

FB 6.17

All 3G pitches must be FA approved

and may be used in ECFA

competitions as long as the

opponent is informed seven days

before the match.

FB 6.18

Under no circumstances can any

match be played on a sand-based or

sand-filled artificial surface.

FB 6.19

Duration – all matches will be played

in accordance with the FA rules of

the game and shall be for a

maximum of 90 minutes (i.e. 45 mins

each way) and a minimum of 70

minutes (i.e. 35 mins each way) by

agreement with both Team

Managers and the Match Referee.

There should be a half time interval

not exceeding 15 minutes.

7. MATCH OFFICIALS

FB 7.4

Premier League and Premier Cup:

neutral referee at Level 5 or above

and two qualified assistant referees

at Level 7.

FB 7.5

Championships: neutral referee at

Level 6 or above, plus two qualified

assistant referees. These may be

students who are qualified, hold a

FAMOA number and who wear

proper referee’s attire.

FB 7.6

Regional Leagues: neutral referee at

Level 7 or above or, where both

teams are in agreement, a qualified

member of staff.


FB 7.7

Knockout Cups and Men’s Knockout

Trophy: Referee at Level 7 or above

but from the quarter final a Referee

at Level 5 and two qualified Assistant

Referees must be provided. Assistant

Referees may be qualified students

who hold a FAMOA number, are

dressed appropriately and who are

not on the team sheet as players.


GOLF

1. ELIGIBILITY

GF 1.17

All students playing in AoC Sport golf

leagues must hold a valid active

CONGU handicap.

2. STAFFING

GF 2.5

All teams must be accompanied by a

member of staff.

GF 2.6

Subject to the guidelines of the

participating colleges, individual

players may be accompanied by a

parent or may be unaccompanied.


(LEAGUES)

Team event competition format:

GF 3.1

Teams can be mixed and will consist

of a maximum of four students with

the best 3 scores to count.

GF 3.2

A college may enter unlimited teams

into the competition.

GF 3.3

Within the league each college with a

team entry is expected to host one

18-hole stroke play event in the year

and pay any green fees required by

the golf club hosting the event for all

golfers from colleges playing in the

team event, including individuals.

GF 3.4

League fixtures can be used as the

regional qualifying competition for

the AoC Sport National

Championships.

GF 3.5

If a college hosts a second league

fixture, then the players may be

required to pay a max £10 green fee.

(the fee to be agreed after individual

green fees have been looked at

through the course of the year).

GF 3.6

Colleges sending individuals only will

be charged a green fee on the day of

each event, payable by the college or

individual direct to the club or host

college.

GF 3.7

Teams gain points based on their

best 3 out of 4 scores. There will be a

gross, net and stableford

competition.

GF 3.8

Women will play off the ladies’ tees

on the day and their gross score will,

if necessary, be adjusted to

compensate for any difference in SSS

between the two sets of tees. (For

example, a woman shooting a gross

72, will be adjusted to a 70, should

the Ladies SSS be two strokes higher

than the men’s, and handicap

remains the same. This will align the

women’s score with the men’s and


base the scores solely on the score

to the SSS) This needs to be agreed

before the start of each league

fixture, depending on whether there

will be a standard scratch on the day.

GF 3.9

Teams must be confirmed and

submitted to the host college 7 days

before the match.

GF 3.10

Points will be awarded based on the

total number of college teams in the

league. If there are 4 teams in a

league, the winning team at each

tour event would receive 4 points,

second place 3 points, third 2 points,

etc. Should there be a tie, the team

with the student shooting the lowest

gross score will win.

GF 3.11

Should a team not return a score for

a round (ie. Not have enough players

to compete in a round), then the

college team will score 0 points for

the round, but the scores recorded

by each player will count towards the

individual competition.

GF 3.12

If there is a tie between teams at the

conclusion of the league, then the

team with the most league wins will

decide the winner. If this does not

determine the winner then the most

2nd places, 3rd places, etc will be

used.

Individual event competition format:

GF 3.13

A college may enter individuals into

an event and a college entering the

team event may enter additional

players to all the events in the

league.

GF 3.14

All green fees for the extra players

will be paid for by the players/college

to the host college or direct to the

club, on the day of the event (unless

a college falls under rule 1.3). If

green fees are not paid on the day of

the event, the additional players will

not be eligible to play.

GF 3.15

Colleges must confirm number of

players at least seven days before

the fixture.

GF 3.16

There will be a gross, net and

stableford format using Full

Handicap allowance.

GF 3.17

All events will be 18 holes unless

otherwise stated.

GF 3.18

In the event of ties at any event, the

following count back system will be

used:

a) Total stableford points scored

for last 9 holes.

b) Total stableford points scored

for last 6 holes.


c) Total stableford points scored

for last 3 holes.

d) Total stableford points scored

for last hole.

e) If there is still a tie the front 9

will be used in the same

process.

GF 3.19

All individuals playing in a fixture will

compete for Order of Merit points,

based on their gross, net and

stableford scores. Points will be

awarded to the top 15 finishers at

each event. 16 to the winner, 15 to

2nd place, 14 to 3rd etc.

GF 3.20

All players receive 1 point for

entering an event.


FIXTURE OBLIGATION

GF 6.1

The competition will be organised

and administered by AoC Sport.

GF 6.2

Which college team hosts each

round and when, will be decided

regionally. Disputes will be resolved

by the other colleges in the region at

competitions. All rounds will, as far

as possible, take place on a

Wednesday during term time at a

reasonable start time to allow all

colleges to travel to the event.

GF 6.3

Contact details should be shared

between all team managers at the

start of the year.

GF 6.4

The final date for the league to be

completed will be the 24 May 2017

including any rearranged fixtures.

Colleges entering this competition

must accept that completion of

fixtures within this time scale must

take priority over other

competitions.

GF 6.5

If a team arrives late to an event, the

tee times may be re-arranged at the

discretion of the other team

managers.

GF 6.6

Excluding illness or injury, all players

should complete 18 holes of golf at

each tour event, regardless of

whether they have ‘No Returned’.

GF 6.7

Any college team submitting false

information or playing an ineligible

player(s) may be withdrawn from the

competition.

GF 6.8

Should a fixture not be played or

abandoned due to bad weather or

other unforeseen circumstances, it is

the host college’s responsibility to

rearrange the event on a date

agreeable to all other colleges.

GF 6.9


During the winter months, if

necessary, courses may contain

temporary greens or winter tees to

produce a result.

GF 6.10

All rounds should be played in

accordance with local club rules, the

rules of golf and within the spirit of

the game.

GF 6.11

If play is suspended and all rounds

cannot be completed a majority vote

between team managers will

determine how many holes make

the competition valid. All golfers

must complete at least 9 holes for

the event to be valid.

GF 6.12

Results – For each event it is the host

college team’s responsibility to

collect cards and produce a

provisional result on the day, as well

as ensuring all score sheets to be

submitted to AoC Sport to record

and display the results. It is the host

college responsibility to check and

confirm all scores before informing

the AoC Sport Competition

Administrator of the result, within 48

hours of the fixture. (All team

managers should be prepared to

assist the host college with the

checking of results and collation of

scores).


HOCKEY


FIXTURE OBLIGATIONS

HY 6.15

All games must be played on

synthetic grass surfaces in line with

the EHB pitch classification.

HY 6.16

All players must wear numbered

shirts.

HY 6.17

All hockey competitions are 11 a-

side.

HY 6.18

In the mixed competition the

following rules apply:

◼ The 11 players on the pitch

should contain a minimum of

five females (no maximum).

◼ Attacking corners should have

a female taking the first strike

(any player can follow up).

◼ Defensive short corners

should have a goalkeeper

(either gender), two females

and two males.

◼ Penalty shoot-outs must have

five named players,

constituting a 3-2 mix. This can

be either three men or three

females.

HY 6.19


in accordance with the IHA rules of

the game and shall be for a

maximum of 70 minutes (i.e. 35

minutes each way).

HY 6.20

The following process will be used to

determine the winner in the event of

a draw at full-time of a cup match:

◼ Penalty shoot-out

competition.

◼ Five members of each team

shall alternate in having eight

seconds to dribble the ball

from the 23m line to score a

goal against the opposite

goalkeeper.

◼ If still a draw, the SAME

players IN THE SAME ORDER

will continue in a sudden

death shoot-out.

7. MATCH OFFICIALS

HY 7.4

The home institution should arrange

for two umpires, which could be one

qualified umpire from each team.

Where a member of staff acts as an

umpire they must be qualified to do

so and may only participate in

coaching duties during the interval.

HY 7.5

From the quarter final of the cup

competition onwards, the home

team must provide two neutral

umpires.


NETBALL

4. ELIGIBILITY

NB 1.17

All netball competitions are limited

to female players.


(LEAGUES)

NB 3.38

Play off and cup matches that finish

in a draw at full-time will be

concluded as follows:

◼ Extra time: two periods of 5-7

minutes.

◼ If it is still a draw after extra

time the game continues until

one team leads by two goals.


FIXTURE OBLIGATIONS

NB 6.15

All games should be played

preferably in sports halls on netball

courts of an approved size.

However, if this is not possible then

appropriate and safe outdoor

facilities may be used with prior

agreement from the opposition

providing seven days’ notice is given.

NB 6.16

Duration - All matches will be played

in accordance with England Netball

rules and shall be a maximum of 60

minutes. Consisting of four quarters

of 15 minutes, with quarter time

intervals of three minutes and a half

time period of 10 minutes. If due to

unforeseen circumstances the game

needs to be reduced in time then

this has to be agreed by the head

coaches of both teams and cannot

be reduced further than four

quarters of 10 minutes. Quarter

time intervals must remain at three

minutes but half time may be

reduced to five minutes.

7. MATCH OFFICIALS

NB 7.4

Premier League – The home team

must arrange for Netball Europe

Award Grade B umpires and provide

a scorer on the day. If it is

impossible to obtain Netball Europe

Award Grade B umpires then Grade

C can be used as long as they are

active i.e. they have umpired

regularly in the last two years. The

scorer can be from the home team

but cannot be a player. The umpires

will be expected to verify the score

with the scorer at the end of the

game. All game officials must be

appropriately dressed.

NB 7.5

In the Premier League failure of the

home team to provide two Netball

Europe Award Grade B umpires (or

suitably qualified C umpires) and a

scorer may result in a 30-0 walkover

being awarded.


NB 7.6

Other leagues - the home team

should arrange for two umpires.

Where both teams are in agreement,

this could be one qualified umpire

from each team. Where a member of

staff acts as an umpire they must be

qualified to do so and may only

participate in coaching duties during

the interval.

NB 7.7

From the quarter final of the cup

competition onwards, the home

team must provide two neutral

umpires.


RUGBY LEAGUE

1. ELIGIBILITY

RL 1.17

Players who hold a professional

contract are permitted to play in AoC

Sport competitions as long as the

institution has received written

permission from the club holding the

contract. A copy of this letter should

be held in the match day pack.

RL 1.18

Teams must have 20 players

registered before the

commencement of the season.

Scheduled fixtures will be refused

until 20 players are registered and

the opposition will be awarded the

competition points.


RL 3.38

AoC Sport/RFL will designate teams

to each league according to the

entries received and geographical

location.

RL 3.39

Promotion and relegation shall

normally be on the basis of one up,

one down in between all divisions

however AoC with advice from the

RFL shall have the final decision on

the composition of the divisions

prior to the season commencing.

RL 3.40

In the event that a team is promoted

to the Premier League, confirmation

must be received in writing from the

College Head Coach and Head of

Sport, accepting their commitment

to participate in the competition.

RL 3.41

Cup and play off matches that finish

in a draw at full-time will be

concluded as follows:

The "Golden Point" ruling will come

into play. First team to score points

will be determined the winners. The

teams are to toss a coin at the start

of the Extra time, to see who kicks

off & who receives. Teams are to

switch ends after each ten-minute

period of play during extra time,

should this be required.


RL 5.24

For all fixtures it is the responsibility

of both clubs to ensure that the

team sheet information and result is

entered on the LeagueNet system.

The result should be added within 24

hours, and the team sheet

information within 48 hours

following the completion of the

game.

RL 5.25

Teams may nominate four

replacements. The referee must be


informed of the names of the

replacement players before the start

of the game.

RL 5.26

In the interests of player

development movement between

teams is permitted as long as they

are registered in accordance with

rule 5.3. However, in the spirit of the

game, no more than three players

listed on the team sheet of a Premier

League match may play in the next

RFL League match and only with the

permission of AoC Sport. These

players must be identified on the

team sheet. Failure to follow this

ruling will result in the match being

awarded to the other team. Colleges

who continue to play premier

players in the lower level leagues

after receiving a warning will be

removed from the competition and

may be subject to a £100 fine.


FIXTURE OBLIGATIONS

RL 6.15

All matches will be played under the

Laws of the Game as laid down by

the RFL except in the case of all

leagues below the Premier League

where teams may play down to 9-a-

side where they are unable to field a

full quota of players, (13-a-side).

RL 6.16

All matches should be played on

grass or synthetic pitches provided

they meet the RFL specifications and

all lines should be clearly marked.

The pitch should be well maintained

and the grass regularly mown to an

acceptable length.

RL 6.17


in accordance with the RFL Laws of

the Game and shall be for a

maximum of 80 minutes (i.e. 40

minutes each way). There should be

a half time interval of a minimum of

five minutes.

7. MATCH OFFICIALS

RL 7.4

Match officials – the RFL will appoint

a neutral referee to officiate at each

match. The home side must contact

the appointed match official to

confirm the match by 12:00pm on

the Monday prior to the game. Their

match fees will be paid by the home

college.


RUGBY UNION

1. ELIGIBILITY

RU 1.17

AoC Sport, England Colleges RFU and

the RFU are pleased to confirm the

regulations relating to playing joint

age groups in college-based playing

and competitions. This is in support

of player across the under 17 and

under 19 age band.

RU 1.18

In 2018-19, teams should agree at

least 24 hours in advance of the

match the age band to which they

will be playing. This will be either: -

a) Under 17s to under 18s where

all the players’ birthdates are

in the academic Years 12 to 13

range.

b) Under 17s to under 19s age

band where all the players’

birthdates are in the academic

Year 12, Year 13 and the

following 12 months age band.

c) Where one team has under 19

players the match will be

played in this age band. If a

team cannot field sufficient

front row players the match

will be played with

uncontested scrums.

RU 1.19

The match must be played to either

one or the other age band.

In a) there are no positional

restrictions.

In b) an under 17/Year 12 player

cannot play in the front row of the

scrum.

RU 1.20

An under 17 player can play

with/against those two years older

provided that:

a) An appropriate assessment is

carried out by the college. Best

practice on this assessment is

set out in the Guidance

www.englandrugby.com/regul

ation15guidance

b) In respect of school or college

rugby, approval is obtained

from an individual who has

parental responsibility for the

player (who may be the

principal in loco parentis);

c) In respect of school or college

rugby for U16s and above, the

individual who has parental

responsibility for the player

(who may be the principal in

loco parentis) is informed that

it is possible that this

dispensation may result in the

player playing with and/or

against one or more U19

players who are playing down

in accordance with Regulation

15.

http://www.englandrugby.com/regulation15guidance

http://www.englandrugby.com/regulation15guidance


RU 1.21

In the interests of providing

opportunities for students to play

matches, it is acceptable for matches

to be played with uncontested

scrums where there are insufficient

front row players to meet the

requirements of rule RU1.18 b.

RU 1.22

Please note that this will be the last

year in which AoC Sport rugby union

leagues will be under 19

competitions. For 1919-20 the

maximum age for players will be

lowered to 18.


(LEAGUES)

RU 3.38

On completion of league fixtures

play-off matches will be organised

between the winners of each

Premier league and regional league

to determine the national league

champions. Where teams within the

same league share the same number

of points, the criteria listed at 3.34

will be in order to determine who

progresses to the ‘play-offs’.

RU 3.39

The structure for the play-offs will be

confirmed at the start of each

season.

RU 3.40

Play-off quarter final and semi-final

matches that finish in a draw at full-

time will be decided by the following:

a) Most tries;

b) Most goals from tries;

c) Away team.

RU 3.41

In the final if scores are level after 35

minutes each way, the winner will be

determined as follows:

ii) Most tries;

iii) Most goals from tries;

iv) First try;

v) First points.

RU 3.42

Subject to agreement by both team,

the men’s and women’s league

fixtures can be played under flexible

format rules.

RU 3.43

The number of players and

replacements for flexible format

matches must be agreed during the

match confirmation process.

For guidance;

◼ 7-a-side with 3 replacements



RU 3.44

7-a-side matches will be played over

two halves of 7 minutes and scrums

will be formed of 3 players from

each team. A drop kick at goal is

taken after a try is scored.

RU 3.45

10-a-side matches will be played

over two halves of 10 minutes and

scrums will be formed of 5 players


from each team. A drop kick at goal

is taken after a try is scored. The

team that scores the try kicks off

with drop kick from the half way line.

RU 3.46

12-a-side matches will be played

over two halves of 25 minutes and

scrums will be formed of 6 players

from each team. A place kick

conversion attempt will be made

after a try is scored.


RU 5.24

Teams may nominate up to eight

substitutes/replacements which

must include a hooker, tight-head

prop and loose-head prop. A player

other than a nominated front row

player can play in the front row if all

replacements have been used, but

only when uncontested scrums are

being used. The referee must be

informed of the names of the

replacement players before the start

of the game.

RU 5.25

A team may replace any number of

players during a match at any time.

Players entering the field of play

must do so at the half-way line after

the replaced player has left the field

of play.

RU 5.26

Scrums will become uncontested if

either team cannot field a suitably

trained front row or if the referee so

orders.

RU 5.27

Uncontested scrums as a result of a

sending off, temporary suspension

or injury must be played with eight

players per side.

RU 5.28

When a front-row player leaves the

playing area, whether through injury

or temporary or permanent

suspension, the referee enquires at

that time whether the team can

continue with contested scrums. If

the referee is informed that the

team will not be able to contest the

scrum, then the referee orders

uncontested scrums. If the player

returns or another front-row player

comes on, then contested scrums

may resume.

RU 5.29

In a squad of 23 players or at the

discretion of the match organiser, a

player whose departure has caused

the referee to order uncontested

scrums cannot be replaced.


VOLLEYBALL


FIXTURE OBLIGATION

VB 6.15

All matches to be played to the best of 5

sets.

VB 6.16

Posts must be either socketed or bolted

to floor anchors through a small base

plate which is covered with padding.

VB 6.17

Posts supported with weights or secured

to the floor with wire or ropes are

unsafe and must not be used.

VB 6.18

Net heights:

Women:

2.24m

Men:

2.43m

Mixed:

2.43m

VB 6.19

Maximum of 12 players in a team with

six players on court at any one time.

VB 6.20

Females may not play in male

competitions (and vice versa).

VB 6.21

Mixed volleyball: A squad of 12 and each

match must have three female players

on court. If you are unable to put three

female players onto the court you may

not replace their position with a male

player.

VB 6.22

Each team may register two Libero

players for each match. The Libero can

be changed between points.

7. MATCH OFFICIALS

VB 7.4

Match officials: all colleges should

provide the following officials:

◼ First referee

◼ Second referee

◼ Scorer

◼ and two line judges

VB 7.5

These should be provided by the home

team but by prior agreement one

qualified referee can be supplied from

each college. Line judges can be

supplied from home and away teams.

The away college should be notified of

any problems before they travel.


LEAGUE AND CUP SANCTIONS AND PENALTY FINES

13. LEAGUE AND CUP SANCTIONS

AND PENALTY FINES

13.1 Teams failing to comply with the

rules of the competition or found

to be guilty of misconduct may be

subject to one or more of the

following - the imposition of a

fine, points deduction, and/or in

certain circumstances, exclusion

from the league.

13.2 Teams playing in AoC Sport

competitions will be monitored

through match reports and

unannounced visits to ensure the

Quality Standards are met.

13.3 For teams who are involved in

‘one off’ minor transgressions

concerning the Rules of the

Competition sanctions and/or

Penalty Fines will be imposed by

the Competition Administration

Officer using the scale in Table 1.

13.4 Any team accumulating fines to

the value of £200 or more during

the course of the season will have

2 league points deducted and the

college concerned may be subject

to the imposition of further

sanctions.

13.5 In the event of a team

withdrawing from the league

without finishing its scheduled

games, all results will be

expunged and other sanctions or

fines may be imposed.

13.6 The Competition Administration

Officer will write to the institution

informing them that they are

charged of being in breach of rule.

13.7 The institution will have seven

days to respond in writing to

include:-

a) whether they admit or deny

the Charge(s) or any part of a

Charge;

b) a list of witnesses upon whom

the institution intends to rely

together with a written

statement signed by each

witness setting out his/her

evidence in full; and

c) copies of any documentation,

evidence or other relevant

material (of whatever nature)

on which the institution

intends to rely at a hearing.

13.8 The Competition Administration

Officer will review the evidence

and make a decision on any

sanction.

13.9 If the institution does not respond

within seven days the Competition

Administration Officer will make a

decision based on the evidence

available.

13.10 Any official, coach or member of a

team who is found guilty of a

serious breach of rule shall be

liable to expulsion or any such

penalty AoC Sport may decide,

and their team shall also be liable

to expulsion.

AoC Sport League and Cup Rulebook 2018/19

Table 1

Offence Fine Sanction

Failure to provide adequately

qualified match officials

From second

offence: £50

Warning notice issued on

first offence

Cancellation of fixture after noon on

the day before the match

From second

offence: £50 Walkover

Failure to meet a fixture obligation

on the appointed (or agreed) date Up to £100

Walkover plus a 1-point

deduction

Changing facilities, courts and/or

match equipment that do not meet

the requirements of the Operating

Standards

From second

offence: £50


first offence

Failure to exchange a team sheet

prior to the match

From second

offence: £50


first offence, 1-point

deducted on further offences

Failure to provide wholesome post-

match refreshments

From second

offence: £50


first offence

Failure to submit Team Sheets to the

Competition Administrator within 48

hours


first offence, 1-point

deducted on further offences

Failure to register players before

they play

1-point deduction for teams

not registering players by the

end of October, November,

January and February

Playing a player who does not meet

the eligibility criteria detailed in rule

1

From second

offence: £50

Walkover – maximum of 12

point deduction

Committing an act that is deemed to

be not in the spirit of the game £50 Warning notice

Failure to control players and/or

coaching staff Up to £500 Warning notice

Withdrawing from a league during

the season

No fine up to end of

November then up

to £100

Teams may be prevented

from entering the

competition in the following

season

Conduct deemed to be undesirable

May result in temporary or

permanent expulsion from

the competition

Serious breach of conduct by any

official, coach or member of a team

Expulsion of the guilty

individual or expulsion of the

team


WALKOVERS, PROTESTS AND APPEALS

14. WALKOVER, PROTESTS AND

APPEALS

14.1 Institutions should report to AoC

Sport any breaches of competition

rules or failure to comply with the

minimum operating standards.

14.2 The relevant section of the team

sheet should be completed and

sent by email to the Competition

Administration Officer. A

Walkover Request Form can be

submitted at the same time.

14.3 A Walkover Request Form must be

submitted for all voluntary and

involuntary walkovers.

14.4 Evidence provided in 14.1 and

14.3 will be reviewed and where

appropriate sanctions will be

imposed in accordance with those

detailed on pages 32 and 33.

14.5 An appeal can be submitted

where it is felt that AoC Sport has

been incorrect in issuing a

sanction for a breach of rule or

minimum operating standards.

14.6 The appeal commences on receipt

by AoC Sport of the Stage 1 (S1)

appeals form available to

download from the AoC Sport

website. The appeal must be sent

to [email protected].

14.7 A stage 1 appeal form must be

completed within seven days of

the incident for league fixtures

and 24 hours for cup fixtures.

14.8 A copy of the opponent’s team

sheet must be attached where the

eligibility of a player is being

questioned.

14.9 The stage 1 appeal will be dealt

with by the Senior Administration

Officer or the Competition

Manager and will be based upon

the written or photographic

evidence produced by the

appellant.

14.10 The evidence will be reviewed and

investigated, a decision made and

both parties informed within 10

working days of receipt of the

form.

14.11 Institutions wishing to make an

appeal against the stage 1 appeal

decision must do so within five

days for league appeals and two

days for cup appeals using the

stage 2 appeals form available on

the resources section of the AoC

Sport website and must enclose a

surety of £100 in the form of a

cheque or purchase order

number.

14.12 The stage 2 Appeal must:

mailto:[email protected]


a) identify the specific decision(s)

being appealed;

b) set out the ground(s) of

appeal and the reasons why it

would be substantially unfair

not to alter the original

decision;

c) set out a statement of the

facts upon which the appeal is

based.

14.13 The grounds of appeal available to

the institution shall be that AoC

Sport:

a) failed to give the appellant a

fair hearing and/or;

b) misinterpreted or failed to

comply with the rules or

regulations relevant to its

decision; and/or;

c) came to a decision to which

no reasonable such body

could have come and/or;

d) imposed a penalty, award,

order or sanction that was

excessive.

14.14 The stage 2 appeal committee will

be comprised of three individuals

with relevant knowledge of the

sport who have not been involved

with previous stages of the same

appeal. They will be drawn from:

the AoC Sport Managing Director,

any member of the AoC Sport

Board, the Football Development

Manager, the Chairman of the

ECFA Committee, a representative

from the National Governing

Body, an AoC Sport Regional

Development Officer.

14.15 It will not be necessary for the

appellant to attend an appeal

hearing. Written or photographic

evidence will be used to

determine the case.

14.16 The appellant will be sent a

written response within 14 days

which clearly states the decision

appealed against, whether or not

the appeal has been accepted and

the reasons for this decision.


SUMMARY OF AoC SPORT/ECFA - WALKOVERS, PROTESTS & APPEALS PROCESS FLOW

DIAGRAM

For further guidelines on the Competition Walkovers, Protests and Appeals procedures please

visit http://www.aocsport.co.uk/resources.aspx by accessing the Resources tab.

Walkover Request

• There are two types of walkovers:-Voluntary – in which both parties are in agreement that the match shall be awarded.Involuntary – where a team feels that the breach of rule by their opponent warrants a walkover but the opponent has declined to concede the match.

• In both cases a walkover form must be completed and submitted to the relevant Competition Administration Officer within 24 hours for cup matches and seven days for league matches.

Making a protest to/about an opponent

• For breaches of rule or minimum operating standards that are known before, or on the day of the fixture.

• Initially log your protest with the team or individual concerned. Attempt to resolve amicably.

• If the issue cannot be resolved complete the relevant section of the team sheet and submit to the Competition Administration Officer.

• If it is felt to be appropriate a walkover form can be submitted at the same time.

Stage 1 Appeal

• APPEALING A DECISION MADE BY AoC SPORT or ECFA

• Formally submit a Stage 1 (S1) Walkovers, Protests and Appeals Form to [email protected].

• Evidence to be submitted detailing measures you have taken previously which could include a team sheet, emails etc.

• Senior Competition Administration Officer/Competitions Manager will review information, investigate and either uphold original decision or make a decision on alternative course of action.

Stage 2 Appeal

• APPEALING A STAGE 1 DECISION made by AoC SPORT or ECFA

• Formally submit a Stage 2 (S2) Protests and Appeals Form to [email protected] together with a £100 surety fee or Purchase Order Number.

• Evidence to be submitted detailing measures taken up to Stage 1.

• Appeals Committee will be convened to review case in accordance with competition rules.

http://www.aocsport.co.uk/resources.aspx


CODE OF CONDUCT

AoC Sport, its member colleges and

other participants will encourage the

development of high standards of

performance and behaviour. Both staff

and competitors should always seek to

set a good example by the way in which

they carry out their duties and

responsibilities both on and off the field.

AoC Sport may refuse the entry of any

team that does not follow this charter.

AoC SPORT

1. Will ensure that the rules are fair.

They need to be thoroughly

understood by competitors and

officials, and properly enforced.

2. Will make every effort to ensure

that the rules are applied

consistently and with absolute

impartiality.

3. Will make every effort to impress

upon participants and officials the

absolute need to maintain the

highest standards of sporting

behaviour in the organisation and

the practice of their sport.

STAFF/COACHES

1. Must ensure that all competitors

satisfy the eligibility requirements

of AoC Sport competitions and

that they are registered before

playing.

2. Insist that competitors

understand and abide by the

principles of good sporting

behaviour.

3. Must not countenance the use of

illegal or performance-enhancing

drugs by competitors.

4. Must never employ methods or

practices that might involve risks

to long-term health or physical

development of their students.

5. Must not attempt to manipulate

the rules to their own advantage.

6. Must show respect to all officials

and their decisions.

7. Will demonstrate proper

professional behaviour at all

times, providing a positive role

model for the competitors. In

particular foul, abusive or

offensive language/actions must

not be used in the presence of

competitors.

8. Must not use social networking

sites to make derogatory

comments about any official,

opponent or AoC Sport.

9. Must prioritise AoC Sport matches

to ensure that they are played on

the dates specified.

10. When playing as the home team,

must communicate relevant

information to the opponents at


least seven days before the

match.

11. Must ensure the criteria of the

competition are met in full.

12. Must take the competition rules,

evidence of eligibility and

completed team sheet to every

match.

13. Must follow all administration

requirements related to the

collation of team sheets and the

updating of results.

COMPETITORS

1. Must abide by both the laws and

the spirit of their sport.

2. Must accept the decisions of the

umpires and referees without

question or protestation.

3. Must not cheat and in particular

must not possess, consume or

supply illegal or performance-

enhancing drugs.

4. Must exercise self-control at all

times.

5. Must accept success and failure,

victory and defeat with good

grace and without excessive

display of emotion.

6. Must treat their opponents and

team members with due respect

and fairness at all times, which

includes the use of social

networking sites.

7. Must respect everyone

participating in AoC Sport

competitions in terms of age,

gender (including transgender),

ethnicity, religious beliefs, sexual

orientation or disability.

SPECTATORS

1. Must support their team in a

friendly, positive way, without

abusing officials or other

competitors, and without trying to

influence the decisions of referees

or organisers.

It is recommended that a copy of the

Rule Book of all sports be to hand, and

that the member college/organisation

be affiliated to the Governing Bodies of

all the sports in which it is taking part.


TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF AoC SPORT COMPETITIONS

1. League and Cup entries must be

submitted using the online

system. Entries received by 1 May

will be considered for league entry

at meeting of the Regional

Operations Groups during May

and June subject to teams

meeting the entry criteria.

2. Entries will continue to be

accepted until the second Friday

in September subject to there

being space in the league.

3. By entering AoC Sport leagues

and cups you are agreeing and

committing to play on the dates

specified. Failure to do so may

result in the match being

forfeited.

4. AoC Sport, in consultation with

the Regional Operations Group,

reserves the right to decline entry

to competitions if they are already

full or if there has been a breach

of the code of conduct in the

preceding season.

5. Communication will be made via

the Club Administrator or sport

specific contact of each college as

appropriate.

6. Each college must have a Club

Administrator that is responsible

for keeping the AoC Sport, Full

Time and Naqoda league

management information up to

date. They are also responsible

for handling the following

responsibilities: scheduling,

referee payments, game planning,

travel coordination, handling

information and liaising with AoC

Sport.

7. All Club Administrators must have

an email address and a telephone

number which is connected to a

switchboard operator or

answering system. Both should

be checked on a regular basis.

8. AoC Sport must be notified

immediately if the name of the

Club Administrators changes.

9. Withdrawals from league and cup

competitions, additional entries

and amendments may be made

until the second Friday in

September, after which the online

entry system will be locked.

10. A purchase order number must

be entered on the online entry

form before the end of August.

11. Payment terms are 30 days after

which AoC Sport reserves the

right to exclude the institution

from competing.

12. No refund will be given if any

team withdraws from the league

or cup competitions after the

second Friday in September.


13. Relevant sports staff should be

made aware of the entry

submitted to ensure they know

that they have teams expected to

compete, and should inform AoC

Sport as a matter of urgency if

they will not be able to commit.

14. Any team that does not fulfil their

fixtures or withdraws once the

season commences can be fined

up to £100 per team. AoC Sport

reserves the right to suspend the

entry into the competition for the

following season of any team that

does not fulfil their fixtures or

withdraws once the season has

commenced.

15. All fixtures must be completed in

accordance with the published

competition calendar.

16. Any teams entered into the

football leagues and cups must

start their County FA affiliation

process by logging into Whole

Game System and indicating their

intent before 30 June. All

affiliation fees must then be paid

to affiliate to their County FA

using the Whole Game System by

31 August in order for the FA to

sanction the ECFA leagues and

cups. Teams will not be permitted

to play in AoC Sport/ECFA football

competitions unless they are

affiliated with their County FA.

17. All participants in AoC Sport

competitions must be recorded

on the Individualised Learning

Record (ILR) by the

institution. They must be on the

ILR as a continuing student at the

time of the match. Students on

the ILR who are registered as

completed, withdrawn or

transferred are not eligible to

play.

18. All participants in AoC Sport

competitions must be over 16

years of age at midnight on

31 August in the academic year of

participation. All players in

women’s rugby must be under 18

years of age at midnight on

31 August in the academic year of

participation. Competitors in

basketball, men’s rugby and men’s

football must be under 19 years

of age at midnight on 31 August in

the academic year of participation

while in other sports players must

be under 21 years of age. In

Ability Counts and LLDD players

must be under 25.

19. Player registration is required for

every AoC Sport competition prior

to the first match in that

competition.

20. AoC Sport competitions take

priority over any other

competitions unless stated

otherwise in the sport specific

rules.

21. AoC Sport cup matches take

priority over league matches.


22. AoC Sport reserves the right to

put colleges into the appropriate

level of competition within the

league and cup structure.

23. AoC Sport reserves the right to

cancel any cup competition in

which low entries mean there is

not a round of 32 and reimburse

entry fees accordingly.

24. It is the responsibility of every

institution to ensure that it has

adequate public liability and

personal insurance to cover

students participating in sporting

activities on and off site, including

travel to and from the venue. We

reserve the right to see evidence

of insurance before allowing an

organisation to participate.


AoC Sport

14 North Street Workshops

North Street

Stoke sub Hamdon

Somerset TA14 6QR

T: 01935 823444

E: [email protected]

www.aocsport.co.uk

@AoC_sport

mailto:[email protected]

http://www.aocsport.co.uk/

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